CBI Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I use my Canadian Credit Card to make US purchases? How can I purchase from online US retailers and have them ship packages to a US address that doesn’t match my credit card’s Canadian home address?
A: Call bank that issued your credit card and make request to add a secondary address to your file (use CBI’s US Shipping Address). It is that easy, you can now use your Canadian credit card for US purchases. To avoid all possible shipping restrictions without opening up a US bank account, CBI recommends signing up for a US prepaid credit/debit visa/master card — no credit checks, no debt, no late fees, shop safely online, & many other features & benefits. Visit: www.netspend.com
Q: What payments do you accept?
A: For customer convenience, CBI accepts cash (US & Canadian), debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) & Paypal (online).
Q: Are there any size limitation?
A: There are NO size limitations — as long as it fits through our overhead door! Including but not limited to automobiles, motorcycles, furniture – nothing is too large … or too small. Please see our Services Page for a full breakdown of our price structure including oversize and storage fees.
Q: What carriers do you receive packages from?
A: We receive items including mail, packages, skids, etc. from any carrier, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, trucking companies, etc.
Q: How long will CBI hold my packages before I am charged a holding fee?
A: Storage is FREE for the first 180 days (~6 months) for all customers for standard packages.
We will hold your package for as long as you would like beyond the 180 days of free storage. However, a $0.15 + Tax per day, per package charge will apply and you will need to pay for your storage fees on a monthly basis using a Credit Card or PayPal account through our automated tracking system
Note: Skids, Vehicles, Boats, ATV’s etc are subject to daily storage/holding fees from the first day that they are received.
Please see our Services Page for more information
Q: Can I have someone else pick-up my package(s) for me?
A: Yes, however the following criteria is mandatory:
They must know the account holder’s PMB and name
They must know the name that is on the package
They must have the full tracking number
They must have an up-to-date government issued photo ID
Have them be prepared for delays as we verify all information. We may have to contact you as the account holder.
Q: Can I also receive US Mail including but not limited to Magazines & Catalogs?
A: Yes, all registered CBI Members who choose option 2 receive an assigned Private Mailbox # and a physical mail slot to receive US Mail. There are no mail receiving fees.
Q: Do I need to register before having packages shipped to CBI?
A: Yes, due to USPS compliance, all customers are required to register, include a PMB # on shipping address, and fill-out/sign/submit a USPS 1583 form.
Q: My UPS/Fedex tracking # shows delivery on a holiday closing day. Will carrier send back my package(s) if they can’t deliver?
A: No, all carriers know CBI’s schedule & will make delivery on the very next opening day.
Q: Is CBI’s US Shipping Address considered a PO box? The seller will not ship to PO boxes.
A: No, CBI’s US Shipping Address is a physical address, NOT a PO box. CBI receives items from private carriers every day (except Sundays), including UPS & FedEx, who will not deliver to PO boxes. CBI assigns you a Private Mailbox (PMB) number, not a Post Office (PO) box number, resulting in your own legitimate US Shipping & Mailing Address.
Q: Does CBI have a loading dock?
A: Yes, CBI has dock facilities & can unload any type of freight. We haven’t refused any freight in over 30 years.
Q: An online retailer will not ship to package forwarding companies. How can I make purchase and have sent to my US address at CBI?
A: CBI can help. Please contact us by sending e-mail to info@cbiusa.com using Contact Us page.
Q: I just registered, can I use the service BEFORE submitting required USPS form?
A: Yes, you can start using CBI’s service immediately. Please submit signed form at pick-up.
Q: Can items that “require a signature” be shipped to CBI?
A: Yes, CBI receives, accepts, & signs for many items that require signature confirmation.
Q: What are your 2026 holiday closings:
Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10AM - 2PM. Thursday’s 10AM to 6PM
We are closed on the following holidays:
Friday, April 3 ,2026 - Good Friday
Monday, May 25th, 2026 - Memorial Day
Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 - Labor Day
Thursday Nov. 26, Friday Nov 27 and Saturday Nov 28, 2026 - Thanksgiving
Christmas Closings - will advise
New Year’s Closings - will advise
Q: Should I use Rainbow or Queenston-Lewiston Bridge when traveling between Canada & US?
A: CBI (and customers) recommends using the Rainbow Bridge for the following reasons:
-Rainbow Bridge (RB) has over twice as many custom inspection lanes as Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (Q-L). RB custom inspection lanes 18US/15CAN vs. Q-L custom inspection lanes 7US/7CAN.
-No commercial truck traffic is allowed on Rainbow Bridge verses Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, which allows commercial truck traffic. -less thru traffic on Rainbow Bridge, since there is no direct connection with thruway -the Rainbow Bridge includes the beautiful scenic view of Niagara Falls
All of the reasons above make Rainbow Bridge a much faster & more enjoyable international bridge crossing experience.
Q: If I schedule a pick-up for a package or freight by a third party carrier(ie. UPS, Fedex etc), do I need to contact CBI ahead of time?
A: Yes, CBI must be informed prior to the carrier arriving to our warehouse. Any and all applicable fees must be paid prior to release of the package or freight to the third party carrier.